Too Many Cooks?

Your recent editorial on saving the two-dozen Payson task forces from the chopping block brings several questions to mind. One must consider: "When are there too many cooks that can ruin the stew?"

Your editorial of March 25 expressed concern that the new town council and mayor will do massive surgery on the task force committees and thus destroy strong community involvement. But what about your editorial of March 7 that was titled, "three-year sign saga reveals flaws"?

Where are the flaws?

Why did it take years for businesses to get town government support? In the case of the "three-year sign" issue, the approval authority was delegated to several task forces. I requested the sign and was told that I must have design committee and beautification committee approvals. Unfortunately, the task forces could not agree in a timely matter and businesses suffered. And after years of delay, the town council realized what a terrible impact it was making on businesses and they approved the sign. I appreciated their decision even if it was late in coming.

When developers do a "planned community" they set up homeowners associations. The directors of the association control the community. This can include placement of garbage cans, television antennas and even the drapes you hang in your window.

I have been told that businesses in Payson cannot change the paint color of their buildings without design committee approval. Is that really what we want? Are we trying to have a planned business community throughout Payson? Are we over-controlling business? Why are there so many business failures? Why are there so many vacant business buildings -- estimated to total 175,000 square feet -- in Payson? Is our town government contributing to these business failures?

If the task forces are given authority to make decisions instead of setting guidelines for the town council, I believe this is "too many cooks." My recommendation to the new council is to be careful in delegating their authority and responsibility to a task force. Otherwise, they risk the perception of unnecessary delays and being unfriendly to businesses. That could affect the next election.

Also, the Mormon church is mentioned in a newspaper article as a factor in the mayor's election. The general public may not be aware that no political activities are allowed in the Mormon church. This prohibits political meetings, endorsements or fund-raising within the church building. Mormons are encouraged to become involved and serve in the community. But their political activities must be outside the church. They are also encouraged to seek out and support good leaders. I am aware of a number of prominent Mormons who voted for Mayor Edwards. When you have two strong leaders, it is too bad that only one gets elected.

I feel we should all thank Mayor Edwards and the out-going town council members for their hard work. Their contributions are appreciated and hopefully they can still be involved in this great town of Payson.